Help choosing a western saddle pad?

Question

I am in the market for a new saddle pad. I have an abetta saddle that fits well but just an old plain reinsman saddle pad. I would like to get a new one that is good quality. I was thinking of a 5 star or perhaps a CSI The reviews I have seen for the CSI all say they are fantasic and well worth the price. Great for your horse and last a long time but of course that is all reviews on their web site. Does anyone have a suggestion for a nice contoured saddle pad?

Answer 1

I have a 5star and I really love it. I have an english endurance saddle that isn't a common shape and 5star cut me a custom pad. They were great to work with and the pad is amazing. I also like their liners that you can use to help keep your nice pad clean and in good shape.



The 5star conforms nicely to my horses body and does a great job of wicking away heat and moisture. 5star was recommended to me by friends who spend a lot of time in the saddle who love their pads. So the people I know who have them love them, and I've never heard a bad thing about them.

Answer 2

Hi Buckinfun, I've had horses that the saddles seemed to always slip sideways on, too. Never really knew why, I always assumed it was because they were a bit too flat withered and just couldn't hold the saddle in position. I have only used one of the products you mentioned - that is the Professionals Choice SMX Twenty X Air Ride. And it didn't help the horse I had at all, in fact, it seemed to make things worse. I expect this pad would be super for a horse that needed some real impact protection, or was wearing a saddle a bit too wide and needed some padding. But for my specific gelding this pad was too thick and stiff, it seemed to make the slipping problem worse than better. I only used it a few times, and now it sits in my tackshed, unused! I suspect the other thick pads you mentioned such as the SMX Air Ride Orthosport, will do the same thing. It seems to me these type of horses don't need a thick pad like that as much as they need something with some grip. What I have done with some success is use a neoprene liner (a fairly thin one) and then put a navajo blanket over. I like this combination because you can adjust the thickness - with some horses you may use just one navajo, with another you might use a felt pad in the middle and a navajo on the top. I also like this combination because you can easily change the top pads, which is useful if showing. Another thing that has helped me is a neoprene cinch. These seem to grip the horse and prevent the saddle from turning so easily. The last thing that I've done might seem to "woosie" for many riders. But nowdays I use a mounting block almost 100% of the time, and the saddle therefore doesn't get the twisting force anymore and seems to stay straight better. I am a short but light rider, and always considered myself skilled and could mount easily. I was not one of those sorts who pull the horse to the side when mounting. But my current show mare has had mild back issues, and I've started using the mounting block to help prevent her pain. I've noticed as a side benefit that the saddle seems to remain straighter since I use one consistently. Since your saddle tends to slip to the left, I wonder if that isn't part of the issue as well.

Answer 3

It seems like every saddle pad gets both good and bad reviews. All horses are different plus the whole saddle fit scenario (which is difficult enough) and then you through in a saddle pad and things really get complicated.



Here are some of the brands I would consider for my next saddle pad.

- http://www.wadesaddlepads.com/gallery/crock-pads

I've heard great things about Wade pads. Plus, they're cute to boot.



- http://5starequineproducts.com/saddle-pads/100-wool-contoured-pads/

I've seen this pad in action and it really holds up well and keeps the horses happy and comfortable.



- http://www.csipads.com/westernpads.html

I've heard this pad to be excellent as well.



Then... you have your slightly more controversial pads

- http://shop.impactgel.com/Contour-100-WOOL-Brown-Felt-XT-Lite-Gel-with-Fleece-C3WF30DBF.htm;jsessionid=EA1EBFE754F17A43C58F79FE9F565A62.qscstrfrnt04

Some people swear by these. Some people say they are crap.



- http://profchoice.com/c-268795-western-saddle-pads-blankets-air-ride-saddle-pads.html

Same thing with these pads. Some people say the inside is like bubble wrap. Well, it is an air pad.



Unless you are top of the line competitive or riding your horse hard all day every day, a quality wool saddle pad isn't a whole lot different than another quality wool saddle pad.

Answer 4

https://www.horseshoecorner.com/Admin/Pages/CSI_Saddle_Pad_Review_143.aspx

http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/whats-the-best-saddle-pad-310786.html

http://www.horsetackreview.com/results-reader-reviews/Western%20Saddle%20Fittings/Pads



There are a few different reviews. I've never personally used either of those pads, so I can't comment on them. But, they both seem to have great reviews. I would say either would be well worth your money.